SYDNEY-siders planning a tree-change by moving to Armidale will be eligible for cash incentives of up to $17,000 after changes to the State Government’s regional relocation grant scheme.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said amendments, which were introduced into State Parliament last week, meant that Sydney residents who purchased a home in the region would receive a $7000 grant as long as they own a home in Sydney or have two consecutive years of rental history in the state’s capital city.
“Previously the grant was only payable after they had sold a Sydney home and bought another in rural and regional NSW,” he said.
“The changes come alongside the introduction of the skilled regional relocation incentive of $10,000 for employees that hold a skilled job for a minimum of two years.”
The incentive would be awarded to applicants in two equal installments – the first three months after they begin their job and the second a year later.
Mr Marshall said the changes to the scheme were a major improvement.
“There is no doubt that these incentives will make a significant difference to the cost of relocating to a regional area, particularly young professionals, recent graduates and young families,” he said.
“With these changes there are many more renting families who will now be able to make the most of the relocation grants.
“While $17,000 on its own may not cause someone to move out here from Sydney, it certainly helps sow the seed for the move and help defrays the costs of relocating.
“These grants are the potential last piece of the puzzle for the many Sydney-siders who are considering a move.”
